England women's hockey team sunk to their knees after a draining 1-0 defeat to
Australia left the highest-ranked team in the competition to play-off for a
bronze medal.

Like the scavenging birds circling above, England were menacing throughout, dominant even, but failed to convert when it mattered as the Hockeyroos went through to Wednesday's final courtesy of a Madonna Blythe goal.

The National Stadium was significantly quieter after last night's riveting India-Pakistan match, which the hosts won 7-4. But the intensity increased throughout this clash as England desperately tried to find a way to keep themselves in the hunt for gold.

A thrilling finale ensued as England held possession beyond Australia's 25-yard line but Kate Walsh's side just could't find a way past the impressive Rachael Lynch, the Australia goalkeeper.

"It's just horrible knowing that we were so close again to getting to a final," Walsh said. "We were all over them - we definitely had the lions' share of possession, we had the most penetration, they sat off.

"We did everything right against a team that sits off, we just couldn't get the touch or the corner to finish them off."

The first-half set the tone for the match with Charlotte Craddock coming the closest for England, World Cup bronze medallists earlier this year, when her shot produced a fine save from Lynch.

The first penalty corner of the game then came with two minutes of the half remaining. They were granted a second immediately after but Australia managed to avert the danger.

With jets of water soaking the surface to combat the increasing heat, George Michael's Faith rang out during the break. England seemed to have the former Wham front man's words in abundance judging by their stick skills and increasing confidence. But for all their domination England were left to rue no significant shot on target in the second-half.

The Hockeyroos had two goalkeepers in their line-up, meaning that England effectively had two more replacements to choose from - a distinct advantage in the mid-morning heat.

They also looked to be at a disadvantage before the start this morning. Emily Hurtz was ruled out after a horror injury on Friday when she dislocated her shoulder against South Africa. But in the end they ran out deserved winners.